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The Military's Enduring Influence on Panamanian Politics

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Military Foundations of Panamanian Politics

by Jagoda Marinić

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Language	:	English
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The military has played a significant role in Panamanian politics since the country's independence in 1903. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the military's influence on Panamanian politics, from the early days of the republic to the present day.

Early History

The Panamanian military was originally established in 1903 to protect the newly independent country from external threats. However, the military quickly became involved in domestic politics, and by the 1930s, it had become a powerful force in Panamanian society.

In 1936, a military coup led by General Harmodio Arias Madrid overthrew the civilian government of President Belisario Porras. Arias ruled Panama for three years before being overthrown in another military coup in 1939.

The military continued to play a major role in Panamanian politics throughout the 1940s and 1950s. In 1952, a military junta led by Colonel José Antonio Remón Cantera seized power. Remón ruled Panama until his assassination in 1955.

The Noriega Dictatorship

In 1968, General Omar Torrijos Herrera led a military coup that overthrew the civilian government of President Arnulfo Arias Madrid. Torrijos ruled Panama as a dictator for 13 years, during which time he implemented a number of social and economic reforms.

Torrijos was a popular leader, but his regime was also marked by corruption and human rights abuses. In 1981, Torrijos died in a plane crash, and his successor, General Manuel Noriega, seized power.

Noriega ruled Panama as a dictator for eight years, during which time he became increasingly corrupt and authoritarian. In 1989, the United States invaded Panama and overthrew Noriega. Noriega was convicted of drug trafficking and money laundering, and he is currently serving a life sentence in a U.S. prison.

The Post-Noriega Era

After the U.S. invasion, Panama held its first free and fair elections in 1994. The presidential election was won by Ernesto Pérez Balladares, who served until 1999.

Balladares was succeeded by Mireya Moscoso, who served from 1999 to 2004. Moscoso was the first woman to be elected president of Panama.

In 2004, Martín Torrijos, the son of Omar Torrijos, was elected president. Torrijos served until 2009, and he was succeeded by Ricardo Martinelli.

Martinelli was a controversial president, and he was accused of corruption and human rights abuses. In 2014, Martinelli was succeeded by Juan Carlos Varela.

Varela served as president until 2019, when he was succeeded by Laurentino Cortizo.

The Military's Role Today

The military continues to play a significant role in Panamanian politics today. The military is responsible for defending the country from external threats, and it also plays a role in law enforcement and disaster relief.

The military is also involved in a number of economic activities, including tourism and construction. The military's involvement in the economy has led to some concerns about its growing power and influence.

The military has played a significant role in Panamanian politics since the country's independence in 1903. The military has been involved in a number of coups and has ruled the country for long periods of time.

Today, the military continues to play a significant role in Panamanian society. The military is responsible for defending the country from external threats, and it also plays a role in law enforcement and disaster relief. The military is also involved in a number of economic activities.

The military's role in Panamanian politics is complex and controversial. Some Panamanians believe that the military is a necessary force for stability, while others believe that the military is a threat to democracy.

The future of the military's role in Panamanian politics is uncertain. However, it is clear that the military will continue to be a major force in Panamanian society for the foreseeable future.